The Don Miguel Vineyard
Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this vineyard is located in the Green Valley — the coolest, foggiest region of the Russian River, only ten miles from the Pacific. The European-style high density of over 2,000 vines per acre provides low yields and requires intensive labor; but the vines live longer and the grapes acquire better balance and greater concentration, as well as more elegance and finesse than with the traditional low density.

The Vinification

The grapes were harvested September 30th, hand sorted, destemmed and fermented in small stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in premium French oak barrels, 43% new, coopered by Remond from the forest of Bertranges. It was bottled, unfined and unfiltered, in August 2016.
 

Tasting Notes
Syrah has been known to produce outstanding wines in cool regions like Northern Rhône, and we have found it to thrive in the sandy loam soils and Pacific-influenced weather of our Green Valley terroir.
 

Our fourth bottling of Syrah shows characteristic aromas of blueberries and other black fruits, roasted meats and black pepper, which come through in the palate. It is savory, with a round mouthfeel and integrated tannins. The finish is lingering, never ending, promising a long life — at least 15 years. I would recommend serving it at cellar temperature, between 58-60° F.